Abstract: Valve for the periodic and cyclic or otherwise intermittent release of a fluid is described along with an irrigation sprinkler incorporating the valve. The valve opens when a critical pressure level is reached in a reservoir attached to the valve, thereby permitting a portion of the fluid contained within the reservoir to be released through the valve. As the fluid is released, the pressure in the reservoir decreases. The valve does not close until the pressure level in the reservoir reaches a second pressure level that is below the critical pressure level. When the reservoir is refilled from a pressurized source at a controlled rate that is less the rate at which the fluid is expelled through the valve when open, the valve will cycle repetitively.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injector for the injection of fuel into the combustion chambers of combustion engines. Inside an injector housing (9) is located a nozzle needle (14), which is surrounded by a nozzle chamber (18). The nozzle needle (14) is moveable back and forth within the injector housing, and is aligned by the guiding sections (16, 22) inside the injector housing (9). A thick spring (11) pressed the nozzle needle against the injector (14) a ring canal (23) is formed between injector housing (9) and nozzle needle (14) and a conical section (33) of said nozzle needle (14) follows in the direction towards the seat (30).

Abstract: When a liquid tank of a liquid spraying apparatus is filled with a liquid, after the liquid has been supplied into the spray tank of the liquid spraying apparatus, if the existence of residual bubbles is detected by a bubble detecting means, an operation is carried out in which the liquid inside the spray tank is drained so as to drain out the bubbles from the tank and the spray tank is refilled with a liquid. As a result, residual bubbles inside the spray tank are removed from the spray tank and the liquid can be applied appropriately to a photosensitive material without causing atomization failure.

Abstract: A misting system valve assembly comprises a conduit connectable to a pressurized fluid supply. The conduit includes a through opening. A sleeve is telescopically received on the conduit. The sleeve is adapted to support a nozzle. The sleeve has a sleeve opening therethrough for selectively delivering pressurized fluid to the nozzle. The sleeve is moveable on the conduit between an open position where the conduit through opening is in communication with the sleeve opening and a closed position where the conduit through opening is not in communication with the sleeve opening.

Abstract: The self-contained miniature laminar ornamental fountain shown in FIG. 1 comprises an enclosure and water reservoir, 5, a pump, 1, flow control means, 3, pipe or tubing means 5 to conduct water from the pump, 2, to a laminar nozzle, 6. Water in the reservoir, 1, enters the pump, 2, where it is pressurized, thence through the adjustable valve or flow control means, 4, through the tubing, 5, to the laminar nozzle, 6. The laminar stream, 7, emanating from the laminar nozzle, 6, forms a graceful arch and then falls back into the reservoir, 1, to repeat the cycle. In another embodiment of the invention the fountain includes one or more additional laminar or non-laminar nozzles nozzles. In another embodiment the fountain above in which the laminar nozzle(s) contain internal lighting means for producing lighted laminar streams. In another embodiment in the fountain, the laminar stream(s) are interrupted to form jets of water which appear to leap from place to place.

Abstract: A method of preventing tar, asphalt and related material from sticking to paving equipment involves spraying a release agent concentrate diluted with water contemporaneously with spraying, utilizing a carbonator pump capable of about 1 gallon per minute pumping rate at about 200 psi, an appropriately-sized motor, a pushbutton momentary contact switch, a timing relay capable of switching the motor on and running it for about 1-2 minutes, a spray gun and appropriately-sized nozzle, appropriate fittings and hoses, and such optional ancillary devices as solenoid valves, particulate screens and freeze protection. The major advantages of the instant invention are that it is simple and economical to build, very robust, and is capable of delivering a good spray pattern at relatively high concentrations of viscous release agents.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for monitoring a weight of a fluid dispensed by a fluid dispenser. A first monitoring device determines a first flow characteristic, for example, pressure, of the pressurized fluid flowing through the fluid dispenser; and a second monitoring device determines a second flow characteristic, for example, viscosity, of the pressurized fluid flowing through the fluid dispenser. A monitor control produces an output representing a weight of the fluid dispensed by the fluid dispenser as a function of the first and second flow characteristics. The monitor control also stores values relating to a size of an orifice through which the pressurized fluid is dispensed and a density of the pressurized fluid. The weight value is determined as a function of the orifice size and the density values. The present invention also includes a method of monitoring a weight of a fluid being dispensed by a fluid dispenser.

Abstract: The smart fragrance dispensing device (1) has an airless fragrance reservoir (1a) containing a principal medium (8), a flow channel (3) for receiving the principal medium (8), a liquid spray dispenser (2) connected to the reservoir (1a) for dispensing the principal medium (8) as a spray into the flow channel (3), a programmable driving circuit (5) for operating the liquid spray device so as to create the spray consisting of monodispersive droplets, a memory device (4) carrying and communicating identification information about at least the principal medium (8), its dispensing and diffusing characteristics, the liquid spray dispenser (2) and the reservoir (1a), and a programmable control and communication micro-controller unit (7) linked to the reservoir (1a), the information being used to adapt to the individual perception of a user by adjusting to a desired level and memorizing the level.

Abstract: In order to provide a discharge device which forms microlenses, etc., with high precision, a switch circuit selects a predetermined one of drive pulses COM1, COM2, and COM3 included in a drive signal COM on the basis of waveform selection data obtained from control means, and applies the selected drive pulse.

Abstract: A device for discharging raw material-fuel includes a pressurizing means for discharging a liquid, a pressure application room (1) in fluid communication with a discharge nozzle, and a liquid discharge nozzle (2) positioned under the pressure application room to discharge the liquid. The nozzle portion has an aspect ratio (L/d) of 5 or more, with L being the length of the nozzle in the thickness direction of the nozzle portion and d being the diameter of the nozzle portion.

Abstract: A shower head includes a housing supporting a low speed rotary valve member driven by a high speed rotary turbine to produce a variable flow rate. The turbine also produces pulsations of water streams discharged from the housing and is shifted axially to produce continuous water streams. A manually actuated control valve and passages with pressure responsive flow control washers provide for selecting different ranges of variable flow or for bypassing the variable flow.

Abstract: A fountain has a container receiving therein a battery, a micro chip, a pump electrically connected to the battery and operably controlled by the micro chip and a tube received in the container. A float is provided in the tube and is able to move upward and downward intermittently in the tube. The float further has extensions securely mounted on a top face of the float so that when the float is moving upward, the extensions, originally folded due to the confinement of the tube, extend to present an ornamental effect to the environment.

Abstract: A water irrigation system includes a dripper tube having a plurality of water discharge openings along its length for discharging water at a slow rate from each opening; and a pulsator device connecting a water supply conduit to the dripper tube and producing a pulsatile water flow to the dripper tube having a frequency substantially exceeding one cycle per second (CPS). In a described preferred embodiment, the pulsator device is connected to the dripper tube by a connecting tube of a length and cross-sectional area such as to produce a resonant feedback system with the pulsator device producing a pulsatile water flow to the dripper tube having a frequency exceeding 10 CPS.

Abstract: A road-marking device which sprays thick ribs of paint to a road surface, transversely to the road axis, to form rumble strips is disclosed.

Abstract: An injector is disclosed, in which the change in the internal pressure of each chamber is relaxed when a pressure application mechanism is reciprocating thereby to lengthen the service life of the component parts including a diaphragm portion.

Abstract: A misting system valve assembly comprises a conduit connectable to a pressurized fluid supply. The conduit includes a through opening. A sleeve is telescopically received on the conduit. The sleeve is adapted to support a nozzle. The sleeve has a sleeve opening therethrough for selectively delivering pressurized fluid to the nozzle. The sleeve is moveable on the conduit between an open position where the conduit through opening is in communication with the sleeve opening and a closed position where the conduit through opening is not in communication with the sleeve opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of small, uniform sized droplets. The apparatus is a droplet generator including a housing defining a chamber for holding a material to be ejected therefrom, an inlet and a droplet outlet communicating with the chamber. The housing is coupled to a pressurizing system connected to the inlet for applying pressure pulses to the chamber. The housing includes a vent in communication with the chamber for relieving pressure in the chamber. The vent has an effective size so that during application of the pressure pulse the chamber is pressurized to a pressure effective to eject a droplet of the material therefrom and thereafter the chamber is vented through the vent at a rate sufficient to prevent further discharge of droplets. The droplet generator produces molten metal or alloy droplets and is particularly suitable for generating single droplets on demand in manufacturing techniques using droplet deposition.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered spray applicator car wash device capable of holding and dispensing liquid cleansers and waxes for rubbing into the body and windows of a vehicle, thereby enabling complete and portable mobile washing and cleaning services and complete detailing of a vehicle without the use of water.

Abstract: A fluid-activatable shut-off device, configured as a shut-off valve, has a valve housing formed with a flow passage therethrough and a movably supported valve body, which is movable between an open valve position and a closed valve position. In the open valve position, the valve body is mainly withdrawn from the flow passage, which is thereby essentially cleared. In the closed valve position, the valve body blocks the flow passage. The valve body is arranged to close the valve by abnormal flow conditions by a portion being formed so that the flowing fluid provides a lifting force which affects the valve body and seeks to move it towards the closed position. The valve body may thereby close by an abnormal increase in the fluid flow rate, density or viscosity. The portion may also be supported by an expansion pad arranged to push the lifting surface further into the flow passage as a consequence of changes in the fluid pressure and/or temperature, thereby providing increased lift so that the valve body closes.

Abstract: A microdispensing system is useful for the open-jet dispensing of liquids. A valve having a valve chamber is bounded by an impermeable elastic membrane and is filled with the liquid for dispensing. One or more liquid supply lines lead to the valve chamber. An outlet closed from the exterior by the membrane in the position of rest leads from the chamber to a dispensing nozzle. An actuator chamber is disposed on the other side of the membrane. In the actuator chamber, an electromechanical drive is connected to the membrane for the purpose of briefly lifting the membrane from the outlet. The actuator chamber is closed in such manner that it can be subjected to a pressure differing from atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for generating a liquid mist to produce phantom targets or camouflage. A liquid is launched by a water cannon (1) at high velocity and initially the liquid is held together in a liquid packet (2) in order to decompose after a certain distance, under the effect of the air resistance, and atomize into small liquid drops to form a liquid mist (3).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for application of treating liquids to a field, the apparatus comprising a plurality of irrigation units including nozzles for applying an adjustable amount of liquid over the field, motor devices for moving the irrigation unit over the ground, a system for delivering the liquid to the nozzles and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the nozzles in order to apply varying doses in several nozzle sections of the irrigation unit, the control circuit comprising a computer unit for receiving inputted data and for operating the control circuit, an independent control module in each irrigation unit, a plurality of sensors for detecting several parameters of the unit and an interface module connecting the independent control modules to each other and to the computer unit.

Abstract: A gun for spraying a product such as paint supplied under constant pressure to the gun, includes a structure for the pulsed spraying of the product that includes a nozzle and an oscillating membrane associated with an intermittent closure device for supplying the product toward the nozzle. A control for the pulsed spray structure of the product is provided. A closure mechanism with a plunger is secured to the membrane and passes through the membrane to be connected to the control.

Abstract: A showerhead has a water-exit element, a button pivotally received in the water-exit element, a moveable flapper disposed inside the water-exit element, and a water-separating plate and a nozzle cover placed in front of the moveable flapper. The button and the valve are able to control water to flow in a selected passage and create a particular type of shower jet. By adjusting the button, different kinds of shower jets can be easily selected. The controlling device, that is, the button and the moveable flapper, has a simple structure which is easy to manufacture and to repair.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nebulizer includes a nebulization chamber for holding a liquid to be nebulized, the liquid being limited by an upper boundary within the chamber, and a nebulization source acoustically couplable to the liquid within the chamber to provide therein an ultrasonic output at an amplitude to cause nebulization. The nebulization source is controllable to vary the amplitude of the ultrasonic output to provide a measurement period during which no nebulization occurs, and a sonar device measures, during the measurement period, a time interval between emission of an acoustic pulse toward the boundary and detection of a component of the emitted acoustic pulse reflected from the boundary, and provides an output signal dependent on the measured time interval for use in determining location information of the boundary within the chamber.

Abstract: Particles are made from a liquid feedstock (13) containing a pharmaceutical composition, the particles either being solid or being liquid droplets in an aerosol, by supplying the feedstock to an electronic droplet generator (18), and collecting the droplets in a holding chamber (20). Evaporation of the solvent creates particles which may be trapped using a cyclone (22). The generator (18) comprises a feed chamber (28) to which the feedstock is supplied, a dispensing chamber (30) having an inlet port communicating with the feed chamber and having an outlet port (34), and electronic means (36) for repeatedly applying a pressure pulse to the feed chamber and a pressure pulse to the dispensing chamber so that a droplet is ejected. Each droplet is of volume substantially equal to that of the dispensing chamber, so the particles can be substantially monodisperse, and may be of diameter in the range 0.1-20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: There is described a battery driven atomizer in which an alternating voltage is applied to a piezoelectric actuation element to cause it to expand and contract and vibrate an atomizing membrane. The alternating voltage is controlled to produce a high amplitude vibration during a first portion of a drive period, to initiate atomization, and thereafter to produce a lower amplitude vibration to sustain atomization during the remainder of the drive period. The frequency of the alternating voltage is swept repeatedly during each drive period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a controlled, continuous up-and-down motion of a pop-up sprinkler head device during an irrigation period to approximate a modified sine wave output from the pop-up sprinkler device assuring uniform coverage of an area to be irrigated without excessive watering.

Abstract: A fountain control system capable of synchronizing a water, light, and sound performance. The fountain control system includes a plurality of variable speed pumps which are used to control the flow of water through the discharge conduits and ultimately the height of the stream of water projected by the discharge outlet. The fountain control system is capable of varying the speed of the pumps in accordance with an audio input signal and thereby control the height of the stream of water without the use of valves. The light and sound aspects of the performance are delayed to compensate for mechanical delays in the system to ensure a synchronized performance. The fountain control system has the added ability of providing a unique performance based on different pieces of music without the need of reprogramming.

Abstract: A programmable dispenser, especially for dispensing an olfactory stimulating material from a source of the material, is presented. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dispenser for an olfactory stimulating material, such as an air freshener composition, wherein the dispenser can be programmed so as to be operational within a wide variety of operating modes, such as starting and ending operations at specific times during the day, being operational during specific days of the week, and dispensing frequency (i.e., in the case of an aerosol or pump source) and/or intensity (i.e., in the case of a gel or cartridge source).

Abstract: A method for inducing a state of conciousness in a human being by bombarding the body with a fluid pulsating at a frequency corresponding with the frequency of brainwaves normal to the state being induced. A method is also disclosed for producing a concentrated fluid discharge by completely and rapidly blocking a flowing fluid stream under pressure, accumulating the resulting pressure rise and completely and rapidly releasing a concentrated fluid pulse. The invention includes apparatus for a producing a cyclic fluid discharge with a frequency from ½ to 120 pulses per second. Another method is disclosed for reducing fluid consumption without restricting fluid passageways by cyclically interrupting the flow of fluid and controlling the percentage of time during each cycle that fluid is allowed to flow.

Abstract: A dusting gun for removal of dirt and for cleaning purposes, where dirt, dust, oil and other loose or firmly sticking coats are removed with compressed air. The dusting gun comprises an oscillating pressure discharge valve which causes splitting up of the air flow into periodically repeated pressure discharges. The oscillating valve acts automatically under the influence of the static and dynamic pressures of the compressed air and is designed to oscillate with a frequency in the range of 2-50 Hz. The oscillating valve is connected to a nozzle by an elongated air duct.

Abstract: An irrigation system that controls the amount of water to be applied based upon specific historical meteorological data including relative humidity, evapotranspiration data, and precipitation. The invention is also of a method for determining the optimal time of day to measure actual relative humidity, and for setting the relative humidity set-point.

Abstract: In a method for periodic depositing of liquid manure such as a slurry in a soil (80) the slurry is injected in a concentrated jet (9) under pressure with the result that forms and fills a groove (6) in the soil, which groove (6) is preferably closed after the injection. A device (1) for use in the method comprises at least one nozzle (5) with a breaker element (10) for periodic interruption of or opening for an injection jet (9) in an outlet direction (P.sub.2), the nozzle preferably being provided as an opening from a chamber (3, 29, 35, 38, 52, 72) pressurized with slurry. The breaker element (10) may be rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (22) which is parallel to the nozzle's outlet direction (P.sub.2), and is located beside the nozzle (5), with the result that during a rotational movement of the breaker element periodically interrupts the injection jet (9).

Abstract: A shower head includes a housing supporting a low speed rotary valve member driven by a high speed rotary turbine to produce a variable flow rate. The turbine also produces pulsations of water streams discharged from the housing and is shifted axially to produce continuous water streams. A manually actuated control valve and passages with pressure responsive flow control washers provide for selecting different ranges of variable flow or for bypassing the variable flow.

Abstract: A liquid projectile apparatus is provided that is particularly apt for use in water displays in which liquid projectiles of a selectable size and shape are provided along variable trajectories at timed intervals or on demand. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a liquid source, a housing assembly within which a mechanical discharge assembly is positioned, and a discharge positioning assembly. The discharge positioning assembly is provided for selectively positioning the housing assembly in various discharge positions to produce liquid projectiles with desired trajectories (e.g., discharge angles and directions). The liquid source supplies a discrete volume of liquid, with which a liquid projectile is formed, to the housing assembly. The mechanical discharge assembly is then operable to project the discrete volume of liquid from the housing assembly along a selected trajectory.

Abstract: An intermittent artificial fountain apparatus to be installed in a water pool and including a spraying body formed as a waterproof structure having a sealed cavity, a light floating structure surrounding the spraying body, a spraying tube arranged in the spraying body co-axially therewith and having a spraying opening to be located above a water level of the pool, a piston formed of a ferromagnetic material and arranged in the spraying tube for a reciprocating movement therein to provide for filling of the spraying tube with water and for spraying the water received in the spraying tube outwardly upon movement of the piston in an opposite direction, an electromagnetic structure cooperating with the piston for effecting movement of the piston in one of the opposite directions, a pulse signal generator to be connected to an external power source and connected with the electromagnetic structure, and return element for moving the piston in another of the opposite directions.

Abstract: A pulsating spraying device includes a housing having an inlet for a liquid under pressure, and a plurality of discharge openings for discharging the liquid; an inlet chamber communicating with the housing inlet; a plurality of pulsating control chambers each having an inlet passageway on one side communicating with the inlet chamber, and an outlet passageway on the opposite side communicating with at least one of the discharge openings; and a plurality of oscillating members, one located in each of the fluid control chambers, configured to be rapidly oscillated by the flow of liquid into the respective pulsating control chamber via its inlet passageway, and to drive the liquid via its outlet passageway out of the respective discharge opening in the form of pulses.

Abstract: A viscous fluid supply control apparatus reduces a difference between a primary side pressure of a feeding pump and a secondary side pressure thereof to lessen an internal leak of the feeding pump. The viscous fluid supply control apparatus comprises a viscous fluid supply source, a discharge nozzle for discharging a viscous fluid, a feeding pump for feeding the viscous fluid from the viscous fluid supply source to the discharge nozzle, a first pressure sensor for detecting the primary side pressure of the feeding pump, a second pressure sensor for detecting the secondary side pressure of the feeding pump, and pressure regulation control means for controlling actuation of pressure regulating means regulating the primary side pressure based on detection values obtained by the first and second pressure sensors. The pressure regulation control means controls the actuation of the pressure regulating means such that the primary side pressure of the feeding pump converges on the secondary side pressure thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved showerhead that can select the type of water steam by a single hand. A movable flapper is mounted in the showerhead, and a button connected to the flapper is pivotally mounted on the outside of the shell of the showerhead. A first outlet is defined on one surface of a water-separating plate and connects with a slant hole of a spacing block, a second outlet is defined on one surface of the water-separating plate and connects with a plurality of holes on the plate. Therefore, the water stream can be force to exit from the first or the second hole by rotating the flapper so that the water stream will exit through the slant hole in the spacing block or the plural holes in the water-separating plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric valve capable of producing podic mass-flow modulation of a gaseous, liquid, or mixed-phase medium over wide ranges of frequencies, pressure, and flow rates. Such mass-flow modulation can be used to periodically shed large-scale vortices at the outlet and to manipulate their dynamics allowing the user to actively control fluid mixing and transport further downstream. The device has a piezoelectric wafer that in a relaxed state abuts the upstream end of the outlet tube separating the pressurized fluid in the plenum with the outlet. The device has an apparatus for applying electric field to the wafer, which distorts the wafer and ruptures the seal forming a throat area that controls the fluid mass flux. Due to the fast response of the piezoelectric material to an electric field, the throat area can be modulated rapidly in time making the device operable even at high frequencies.

Abstract: An automatic liquid spraying device includes a housing having a wall with a liquid outlet, a liquid container disposed within the housing, and a nozzle member which is installed on an upper end portion of the container and which has a front face formed with a spraying port, and a top surface formed with a groove. A driving unit includes a nozzle activating member, which can press automatically the nozzle member to move toward the container and which has an engagement portion, that engages fittingly the groove in the nozzle member when the nozzle member is pressed by the nozzle activating member to move relative to the container, thereby registering the spraying port in the nozzle member with the liquid outlet in the housing.

Abstract: A device to apply liquid adhesive, especially hot-melt adhesive, to a length of material with the adhesive being interrupted includes an application head which has a control element with a pass-through channel and a rotatingly drivable control slide. The pass-through channel is connected to a supply channel for molten hot-melt adhesive at its entry end and to a nozzle aperture for the molten adhesive at its exit end. The control slide, in the course of a 360 degree rotation, opens and closes the pass-through channel at least once.

Abstract: A mobile system for delivering a fluid to a fluid application area includes a vehicle, an arm carried by the vehicle and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a fluid delivery system carried by the vehicle and including at least one fluid delivery device coupled too the arm, a mechanism for maneuvering the arm between the retracted position and the extended position, a sensor mounted on the vehicle for sensing the approach of an obstacle in the path of the arm, and a control circuit responsive to the sensor for causing the arm maneuvering mechanism to retract the arm towards the retracted position when the sensor detects an approaching potentially interfering obstacle and for extending the arm towards the extended position when the relative positions of the arm and the obstacle are no longer potentially interfering. A safety breakaway mechanism is incorporated into the system for enabling the arm to deflect when struck by an undetected obstacle.

Abstract: A sprayer and method for spraying powdered material activated by pulsating vibration air. The sprayer comprises an elastic membrane, a storage tank for storing powdered material provided with the elastic membrane at the bottom opening, and a pulsating vibration air generator for supplying pulsating vibration air to the elastic membrane. The sprayer so constructed is designed to uniformly and diffusely spray the powdered material stored in the storage tank when the elastic membrane is forcedly vibrated up and down in compliance with the frequency of the pulsating vibration air by receiving pulsating vibration air from the pulsating vibration air generator.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus for forming and launching a slug of liquid toward a designated target area includes a hollow chamber located on a desired incline having a lower liquid inlet and an upper exit orifice, which is preferably a knife edged orifice, in the upper surface of the chamber. A plug-stopper is located on the inner surface of the chamber which is movable between an engaged position blocking flow of liquid through the orifice and and a disengaged position allowing liquid to exit through the orifice. A pistion located within an operating cylinder has a piston rod which extends through the chamber and engages the plug-stopper and moves the plug-stopper between engaged and disengaged positions with the orifice. The piston is moved back and forth by a fluid moving the piston head in the cylinder back and forth. Preferably a stop is provided in the chamber which the stopper plug engages in the orifice disengaged position.

Abstract: A new control circuit for firing an ultrasonic vertical anti-hail cannon on a repeated basis from a remote location. The control circuit employs a micro-controller with electrically erasable programmable read only memory and random access memory. When main power is provided the program is read from memory and several safety tests are run before the program goes into a routine that provides for repeated cannon firings. In the preferred embodiment a telephone pager is employed in the control circuit to enable repeated cannon fire by merely paging the cannon from a remote location. Likewise, the repeated cannon fire can be halted by paging the control circuit. The control circuit employs certain safety protocols to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent cannon fire and to permit manual firing and servicing of the cannon.

Abstract: A shower head, for example, a hand shower contains in its interior a means with which the flow of the water leaving the shower head through a jet orifice can be modulated relatively slowly. The means for modulating the flow of water may be powered, more particularly, by a turbine wheel arranged in the interior of the shower head. When two arrays of jet orifices are provided for producing two different types of jet the means may be used for automatic changeover between the two types of jet. The invention provides a shower with which the user is showered by all types of jet possible with the aid of the shower without requiring him to make a change by hand.

Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a housing for enclosing a microprocessor that stores and executes at least one watering program. The microprocessor has a parallel output bus with a plurality of pin sets for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations. The connection between the controller and the irrigation stations is through a plurality of station modules that are removably coupled, in any desired number, to the various pin sets on the output bus. The number of stations controlled is adjusted by the number of modules connected to the output bus. The controller housing has a pocket for holding a user's manual, which is positioned between the controller housing and a mounting bracket when the controller housing is installed on the mounting bracket.

Abstract: By a method of atomising fluids a predetermined amount of fluid is provided between a first surface (63) and a second surface (68) being spaced from one another. The two surfaces (63, 68) are then moved towards one another, until the first surface over its entire extent essentially is in contact with the second surface. The movement is carried out at such a speed that the fluid between the two surfaces is pressed out to the ambience via the periphery of the surfaces with a velocity sufficient to atomise the fluid.